One of my biggest regrets with my firstborn was not giving him enough time to do…absolutely nothing! Don’t get me wrong; there are definitely times to be a hands-on parent, but there are also times when it’s important to let baby be “bored”. Because here’s the secret: they won’t actually be bored! Downtime lets your little one learn self-awareness, and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells around them in a way that they otherwise can’t.

By the very nature of being a second child, Veronika gets a lot more time to herself to simply watch, figure things out, and notice. One of the best times is first thing in the morning. After she’s been dressed and nursed, I lay her on her blanket while I get big brother (and the cat!) breakfasted and ready for the day.

This gives ample time to explore. Her fingers develop fine motor skills as she plays with her toys…

Or she finds her feet…

Or gets those feet in soft cat fur – cozy!

Or discovers that fingers taste yummy…

Or practices her gross motor skills, whether that’s the first head turn from side-to-side, or later rolling for tummy time.

I even catch her chatting with her toys!

In sum, these idle “do-nothing” moments are precisely what your baby’s brain needs sometimes, a chance to find fingers and toes, or just turn their head and look side to side and take in the world.